Term: Baubo

DEFINITIONS

Baubo:

A Greek goddess of pictured as an old woman (symbolic of the Crone aspect of the goddess), often shown in statues in postures similar in nature to the Sheila-Na-Gig. She attempted to cheer up Demeter who was mourning the loss of Persephone, her daughter. She told funny but lewd jokes, making her a goddess of laughter, and also indicates why her statues are so similar to the Sheila-Na-Gig. However, she also produced Demeter’s son, Iacchus, from under her skirts to comfort his mother.

Demons, fairies, and saints—together? These are not three categories we think of together. In past eras, however, perceptions of the supernatural world were much more fluid. Magicians of the Renaissance would not be averse to calling upon whatever beings were available that could teach them secrets, acquire treasure, or gain the love of... read this article